Looking for foliage riddled with images of yellow and orange? Well, the Hill House Gardens are in full bloom, and with the recent rainfall it looks amazing. So, at the end of each tour, visitors are encouraged to stroll through the gardens and appreciate nature’s palettes of color.
Open for tours every Wednesday and Saturday noon-3:00. Just stop by and ring the doorbell.
Archaeologist, Donnie Sadler, spoke at the Hill House Museum and showed his private collection to guests on Saturday. Donnie grew up on a James River Plantation in Surry that was patented in 1619 and it launched his early love of history and archaeology. Also, he talked about the artifacts from the 2012 Hill House exploratory dig of the site’s privies and cistern.
A cistern water system stores the water needed for a household in a large container that is typically filled by rainwater. The Hill House Museum is fortunate to still have its original cisterns in place (both in the attic and outside). The cistern in the garden is now part of the tour for guests to see and learn about early 19th century plumbing. So, when planning a summer day trip stop by the Hill House Museum and tour a wonderful piece of history.
Yesterday, the Hill House Museum participated in Museum Day. Around 140 guests toured the Museum and were given first glimpses of the recent restoration efforts. All the rooms were open, and guests were amazed at how wonderful the museum looks. Please stop by Wednesdays and Saturdays noon-3:00 to tour the Museum and see what everyone is talking about.
Happy Mother's Day from the Hill House Museum.
Yesterday guests attended our annual Mother's Day Tea.. The Tea was sold out, and everyone had a "tea-riffic" time. The tea concluded with a tour of the new restoration efforts.
On May 8th, representatives from Garden Clubs throughout Virginia toured Olde Towne, and one of their stops was the Hill House Museum.
The opening day for Tours at the Hill House Museum will be Saturday, May 18th @ noon.
We encourage all of you to stop by and tour the museum for the first time or revisit it allowing your love for the Hill House Museum to be rekindled.
Wednesdays and Saturdays Noon-3:00.
The Hill House Museum hosted an Easter Egg hunt in the gardens for the neighborhood children. In fact, the Easter Bunny even showed up to partake in the activities.
Saturday, May 11, 2019
2:00 PM 3:00 PM
Come celebrate Mother’s Day at the Hill House Museum gardens. Reservations are required
Prices are $30 for non-members and $25 for members.
Call 757-714-3223 to make a reservation.
TOYS ON PARADE…
Are you an antique doll or toy enthusiast or can appreciate toys from the past?
When and Where?
The Portsmouth Historical Association (PHA) will be displaying a collection of vintage toys from local citizens for the November-December 2019 holiday season. We are seeking a temporary loan of children’s toys to the Hill House Museum for this exciting exhibit. This exhibit will start the last week of November through December.
How can you help?
Do you have an antique or vintage toy that you are willing to share for the exhibition during these two months? (think really hard) For example, you may have metal fire truck or an Erector set, a hand puppet, games, dreidels, books, or an original Tinker Toy set – the list goes on.
All items will be treated with the greatest of care and close supervision. The Hill House is fully insured for any unforeseen problem. An official temporary loan agreement will be signed between the donor and PHA.
Allow us to display your item(s) and share its’ story
• Call or email Lane Killam at 757-399-7758 or lkillam@me.com
• Call or email John Joyce at 757-582-5330 or jojoyce@cox.net
Either of these two volunteers can answer your questions, explain the process, and arrange for pick-up. This will include a photo of the toy, a history of the toy, and any interesting story about it.
Next Steps?
So, start thinking about how you can help. We know November 2019 is a long time away, but like every holiday season, it will be here before you know it. Use the contact information above if you want to share a vintage or antique toy for display for the holidays at the Hill House Museum.
Ever wonder what Norfolk and Portsmouth looked like in 1873? Click on this link below from the Library of Congress, and take a stroll through the streets.
